February 06, 2017 01:28pm
AEE 2017: A Resounding Success
Source: Adult Industry News
by: Rich Moreland
A few years ago, the Adult Entertainment Expo relocated from the expansive Sands Center to the Hard Rock Hotel's more confined environment. The folks at AVN made adjustments, tweaked the atmosphere, and now the trade show has comfortably claimed its space in one of Vegas' top venues.
Negotiating the Joint and the Artist and Muse Halls was a breeze this year and the show quickly bustled with an upbeat tempo.
What's more, the club music was toned down everywhere and the Joint's lighting much improved, lessening the grotto experience that had marked it's earlier years.
Oh yes, the security team scaled back its intimidating presence. A good thing, keeps fans coming back.
For me, AEE means reconnecting and making new connections.
John Stagliano of Evil Angel offered me some thoughts on the changing political winds in Washington DC. Later in the week I renewed acquaintances with Moose of Girlfriends Films and eventually caught up with AVN's Dan Miller.
A text led to breakfast with the always adorable Natasha Nice. Chats with Chanel Preston and April Flores and downtime with Casey Calvert and Maddy O'Reilly at Bang.com were special. Love visiting with these powerhouse girls!
And I welcomed another chance to talk with the insightful Derrick Pierce.
As for new connections, interviews with Briana Banks, Cindy Starfall, Jillian Janson, Emma Hix, and Kasey Warner came my way. Also, I'm always interested in emerging companies. Royal Empire Productions is among these players and I met its founder Robert Morgan for the first time.
This year's show promoted the new face of porn: The cam girl who floats between hardcore and solo performances via computer, all in direct connection with her fans. MyFreeCams and Chaturbate presented a bevy of girls to seduce fan interest.
At Chaturbate, I met a cutie named Emma Chase who showed me how our conversation was soaring through cyberspace. By the way, the Chaturbate crowd sported lots of flesh with pasties all around.
On the more technical side of the biz, virtual reality is on the rise and Ela Darling, whom I have known for a while, is its sexiest salesgirl.
"I am the 'Queen of VR Porn,'" Ela says, "And the leading voice in the VR industry for the adult industry. They respect us and understand that we are important for the future of VR."
"We just launched Cam4VR this past year," the world's first VR cam girl continues, proving that direct engagement with the fan is where porn is going in this age of social media.
Each year, the AEE rearranges it's spaces to improve the show's accessibility. This year the bondage carnival known as the Lair was relocated to Artist Hall, a move that increased its visibility and fan traffic.
Another part of the week I love are the seminars. I reconnected with Wasteland.com's Colin Rowntree, First Amendment attorney Reed Lee, Adam & Eve's Bob Christian, and Take Down Piracy's Nate Glass and finally met Dr. Chauntelle Tibbals, who hosted two panels. She's a fellow academic and author, so we have common interests.
AEE is a constant round of rockin' and rollin', but to be honest, the need to take a break is forever present. In the press room I relaxed with the always upbeat Jill Hagara.
More down moments came at Dunkin' Donuts (right off the hallway to the Casino) where a quick coffee attracts industry people. Had java with veteran Daisy Layne while she waited for hubby Dick Chibbles.
Unexpectedly, a hottie with a Boston Cream doughnut in hand sidled up to me. She's networking, Amber Jo says, and has thoughts of entering porn. We talked business and there may be more to come on her. Stay tuned.
Finally, my thanks to Star Factory, the best PR people in adult. They're dependable and reliable and their clients never flake. Much appreciated, guys!
All in all, this year's AEE was a resounding success. Take it from me, the show should be on your bucket list at least once in your lifetime.
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